Principal Earth Observation Scientist

HR Wallingford provides world-leading independent analysis, advice and support in engineering and environmental hydraulics and the management of water and the water environment. We have an exciting opportunity for a creative and technically driven candidate to work at the heart of a high profile project funded by the UK Space Agency that will develop a dengue fever early warning system for South East Asia. This builds on our work to develop a dengue fever early warning system for Vietnam.

Are you an enthusiastic and highly motivated person? Do you hold a master's degree or have post-doctoral experience in designing, fitting and applying models of a friendly and inclusive team infectious diseases?

Our Flood and Water Management team has a reputation for delivering high solutions, both in the UK and internationally. Join us if you want to make a difference and enjoy a challenge.

About you

You will have great verbal and written communication skills and be able to work collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues and clients.

You will be able to manage and make a positive contribution to a small team, but also be able to work independently with limited supervision.

You will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and able operate using your own initiative.

You will take responsibility for assigned projects and be able to handle multiple tasks.

You will have 5+ years' experience of mathematical or statistical models; knowledge of generalised linear mixed model and Bayesian statistical inferences is essential.

You must be familiar with the epidemiology of vector borne diseases be able to programme in Python and / or R.

Experience in modelling of spatiotemporal dengue data and extensive knowledge of working with large datasets and statistical regression models would be desirable.

About the role

You will develop and implement a statistical predictive dengue model and assess its performance;

You will design experiments to test the predictive power of various hydro-meteorological, and sociodemographic covariates for dengue forecasting.

You will summarise outputs for a range of stakeholders.

You will support and/or lead analytical work, run models and analyse results.

You will work collaboratively with your colleagues and provide guidance and mentoring in your areas of expertise.

Finally, you will need to effectively manage your own time and that of others.

Please note that this is a 24-month fixed term contract, with potential to extend.

Additional information

The successful candidate will be based at our head office at Howbery Park near Wallingford, in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

We are committed to recruiting and retaining staff of the highest calibre. We offer a stimulating working environment with competitive salaries commensurate with experience. We also offer an excellent benefits package that includes: a defined contribution pension scheme; at least 22 days holiday plus three days company holiday plus eight bank holidays, flexible working hours which allows for leave to be taken subject to hours accrued and business needs; access to a staff restaurant, as well as an on-campus sports and social club.

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Closing Date: Friday 5th April 2019

HR Wallingford is an equal opportunities employer

posted: 26 February 2019Please mention EARTHWORKS when responding to this advertisement.